However, according to a 2011 Eurobarometer study, less than 50% of EU consumers feel confident, knowledgeable and protected as consumers. In 2013, the European Commission estimated the value of consumer and professional goods in the EU27 at approximately €2.1 trillion. Between 20, the volume of intra-EU trade in consumer products amounted to almost €1 trillion. It is suggested that the Commission is not telling us the full story.Ĭonsumer spending accounts for 57% of EU gross domestic product (GDP), which makes European consumers key to stimulating growth in the European economy. Arguments against ‘full targeted harmonisation’ are given. Finally, the appropriate level of harmonization: minimum or maximum is investigated.

It would seem that more empirical evidence is required to convince us of that such an instrument is workable and effective. Next the option of a horizontal instrument is discussed more fully. First this paper adopts a critical methodological enquiry to examine the Commission’s leading questions technique as well as indicating that the presentation of its report on the outcome of public consultation, is not entirely neutral. Only two policy oriented goals are mentioned, yet others need to be identified and pursued, such as the appropriate level of consumer protection. The imperatives of the Green Paper are highly political and not merely technical, as the Commission seems to suggest. The rhetorical use of leading questions seems to lead in one direction, which is a horizontal instrument embracing maximum harmonization. The Green Paper asks many abstract questions, however the crucial question whether Europe needs and/or wants a European Consumer Code has not been addressed.

This paper investigates the Green Paper’s proposals for the revision of the acquis communautaire from the angle of public consultation.

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